“The Dead Sea Scrolls,” the exhibition that has captivated millions around the world, will open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on March 16. The presenting sponsor is Sturm Family Foundation, with major support from Lorie and Henry Gordon.

The regional premiere of this exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known Biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. The scrolls will be dramatically presented within a massive exhibit case featuring carefully regulated individual chambers, along with the full English translation.

In addition, the largest collection of artifacts from the Holy Land ever assembled for display will allow guests to explore the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects of ancient Israel that continue to impact world cultures today. The hundreds of objects include inscriptions and seals, weapons, stone carvings, terra cotta figurines, remains of religious symbols, coins, shoes, textiles, mosaics, ceramics and jewelry.

The experience features a re-creation of the Western Wall from the old city of Jerusalem with an actual three-ton stone from the wall believed to have fallen in 70 BCE. Guests may leave their handwritten notes with prayers that will be sent to Israel and placed at the wall. The tradition of putting notes between the stones began centuries ago.

The Dead Sea Scrolls represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. In 1947, a Bedouin goat herder stumbled upon a hidden cave along the shore of the Dead Sea, near the site of the ancient settlement of Qumran. Concealed within the cave were scrolls that had not been seen for 2,000 years. After extensive excavation, 972 remarkably preserved scrolls were uncovered, leading to decades of extraordinary scrutiny, debate and awe.

“This extraordinary opportunity brings our community face-to-face with real documents that are not only central to some of the world’s major religions but also to the origins of Western civilization,” said George Sparks, President and CEO of the Museum.

“Sturm Family Foundation is honored to help bring these world heritage artifacts to Denver,” said Don Sturm, founder of the Sturm Family Foundation.

“The Dead Sea Scrolls” is organized by the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA).

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

In 1947, a Bedouin goat herder stumbled upon a hidden cave along the shore of the Dead Sea, near the site of the ancient settlement of Qumran.
The experience features a re-creation of the Western Wall from the old city of Jerusalem with an actual three-ton stone from the wall believed to have fallen in 70 BCE.
In addition, the largest collection of artifacts from the Holy Land ever assembled for display will allow guests to explore the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects of ancient Israel that continue to impact world cultures today.